Answers Verified — The Growing Global Threat Of Antibiotic Resistance Ielts Reading

The overuse and misuse of antibiotics are significant contributors to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance. The widespread prescription of antibiotics for viral infections, such as the common cold and flu, has accelerated the development of resistance. Additionally, the use of antibiotics in agriculture and animal husbandry has also been linked to the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria develop the ability to survive and thrive despite the presence of antibiotics. This happens through a process of natural selection, where bacteria that are susceptible to antibiotics die, leaving behind bacteria that have developed resistance. Over time, these resistant bacteria multiply and spread, making infections more difficult to treat. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics are significant

The consequences of antibiotic resistance are far-reaching and devastating. In the United States alone, it is estimated that antibiotic-resistant infections affect over 2 million people each year, resulting in over 23,000 deaths. Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that antibiotic resistance is responsible for over 700,000 deaths annually. resulting in over 23